AUSTRALIANS who took to the skies serving as
part of Bomber Command have been given the
chance to visit the United Kingdom for the
official opening of the International Bomber
Command Centre and Memorial Spire, Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs Michael McCormack said.

"I have
asked the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and
Defence to connect with Bomber Command veterans
on how we can support their attendance to the
official opening of the International Bomber
Command Centre in Lincolnshire," Mr McCormack
said.

"Known
as Bomber County, Lincolnshire in the United
Kingdom will be the permanent home to the centre
which recognises the important and selfless role
all members of Bomber Command played in
defeating the Axis Forces.

"Australia contributed approximately 10,000
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel to
Bomber Command during the Second World War.
Tragically, more than 3,400 RAAF members were
killed during operations and a number were sadly
killed during training exercises."

Mr
McCormack said the Government is committed to
providing ongoing support, care and, above-all,
respect to all veterans and currently serving
personnel.

"The
Government is determined to ensure veterans and
serving defence personnel are always treated
with the respect they are owed given their
service and sacrifice to our nation," Mr
McCormack said.

"Part
of this respect is to pause, acknowledge and
reflect on their service in the knowledge they
rose to the challenges set out before them,
often in the face of harrowing odds, to achieve
their missions.

"I
thank all members and veterans of our defence
forces for their service, including the
surviving members of Bomber Command.

"I wish
the Bomber Command veterans well for the future
and hope through this experience they feel in
some way a grateful country’s thanks."

Veterans and Veterans
Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be
reached 24 hours a day across Australia for
support and free and confidential counselling.
Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241
4546). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam
veterans.